Sofyan Amrabat announced the offer he received from Galatasaray.

05.12.2024 17:50

The Moroccan star Sofyan Amrabat, who joined Fenerbahçe at the beginning of the season, made a striking confession. Amrabat stated that he received an offer from Galatasaray before transferring to the yellow-navy team, saying, "Honestly, I had received a lot of offers. I had a meeting with Galatasaray. But I am very, very happy to have come to Fenerbahçe. I don't want to mention the names of other teams."

Fenerbahçe's star football player Sofyan Amrabat answered questions from Sercan Hamzaoğlu on Haber Global. The Moroccan midfielder, who was also on Galatasaray's radar before transferring to the yellow-blues, made a striking confession.

"I RECEIVED OTHER OFFERS TOO"

Question: Let's start with the transfer process. Fenerbahçe worked hard for your transfer; what was the main factor that brought you here?

Answer: Fenerbahçe is a wonderful club, a very big community. My transfer wasn't easy. I was in contact with Mr. Acun for a long time. We had discussions for almost 2 months. I had a conversation with our coach Jose Mourinho. I felt good during these discussions. After my name was mentioned, our fans sent very nice messages. I try to make my choices with my heart, and that was the case in this transfer as well. It wasn't an easy transfer process, but in the end, I chose this place with peace of mind. I had offers from other teams, but I made a good choice by coming here.

"MY DECISION BECAME EASIER"

Question: Acun Ilıcalı worked very hard for this transfer. Did you have a special relationship or moment during the transfer process?

Answer: During our phone calls, Mr. Acun was usually on a plane. I understood that Fenerbahçe is a big family during my conversations with him. We spoke every 3-4 days. As our conversations progressed, I became more eager to come here. It's important for people to work for you. Our fans wanted me very much. I thought it would be a nice feeling to come here for our fans. Mario Branco, President Ali Koç, and our coach also wanted me very much. At the end of the day, my decision became easier in the face of the love I received.

"WE DISCUSSED WITH GALATASARAY"

Question: Did you receive offers from Galatasaray and other teams in Europe?

Answer: Honestly, I received a lot of offers. I had a meeting with Galatasaray. But I am very, very happy to have come to Fenerbahçe. I had a meeting with Galatasaray, but I don't want to mention the names of the other teams.

"I AM IN CONSTANT CONTACT WITH MY BROTHER"

Question: Your brother played for Galatasaray between 2012-2015 and experienced championship. What did he say about you coming to Fenerbahçe?

Answer: I am in constant contact with my brother. We talk about everything. He gave me information about Turkey, Istanbul, the league, and Fenerbahçe. He told me to listen to my heart when making a decision, and I did just that.

"MOURINHO IS SPECIAL"

Question: Every player wants to work with Mourinho. What is it like to work with the Portuguese coach? Have you faced him as an opponent before?

Answer: Mourinho is a special person. I have a good communication with him. It's very special feelings to be wanted by such a coach. This was one of the reasons I came. I am a player who wants to win, and he is too. I hope we will be successful together. He is a wonderful coach. We are very happy to be with him. He is a great manager. He has strong communication with everyone. He knows how to manage players and the atmosphere. Players who don't play may not feel good, but Mourinho keeps everyone ready and fit. Everyone is ready to help the team, which shows that we are a family.

CHAMPIONSHIP PROMISES

Question: If you become champions, is there something crazy you want to do?

Answer: I would cut my hair (laughing). I dream about the championship a lot. The dream of celebrating the championship with our fans excites me a lot. This celebration would be more than just crazy. But I am not very crazy; I am a calm person.

THE MOMENT WITH MBAPPE

Question: Lastly, Kylian Mbappe. There was a moment in the France match when you caught up with the fastest player in the world from behind. It's one of the most-watched videos about you in the world. Can you describe that moment?

Answer: We were 1-0 down. The match was about to end. Mbappe is a very fast player. I put in a lot of effort to catch up with him. You could tell from my facial expression. The ball stayed in play, and I stood up and timed it perfectly. The fans screamed as if it was a goal. I didn't expect it to be talked about so much after the match. The bad part was that we lost the match.